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South Carolina
Car Accident
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Car accident attorneys in South Carolina

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Car Accident Attorneys in South Carolina

When you get into a car accident, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help. Contact us for a consultation or to initiate your case. We’ll represent your interests and Fight to Win. Talk to us using our live chat or call 888-HAWKLAW.

Car crashes are a significant cause of property damage, personal injury, and wrongful death. According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book 2020 Edition, there is a motor vehicle accident every 4.3 minutes in South Carolina. If you have suffered such an accident, a South Carolina car accident lawyer can help. Car accident victims may suffer from harsh consequences such as high medical bills and serious injuries from the accident that someone else caused. This can create long-term financial implications, limit health and mobility, and lead to pain and suffering for years to come. You can rely on our South Carolina auto injury lawyers to provide sound legal advice and a detailed case review. Contact us online for a free consultation* with a South Carolina auto accident attorney at our law firm.

Why Choose HawkLaw’s South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers

HawkLaw’s South Carolina car accident lawyers have earned millions in compensation, including $3 million for one trucking accident.* But we’re not just your lawyers; we’re here to help you recover now and thrive in your future endeavors.

You don’t have to fight your case alone. We will work diligently and to the best of our abilities for you. At our law firm, you can initiate your case immediately so we can start fighting for you.* Call 888-HAWKLAW today or use our live chat, and we’ll get to work right away!

Our Past Case Results*

Trucking Accident

Client was struck from behind by truck while stopped at red light.

Winnings: $3,000,000

Personal Injury

Client was struck by a reckless and speeding driver while leaving supermarket.

Winnings: $575,000

Personal Injury

Client was struck by drunk driver traveling on wrong side of the road

Winnings: $200,000

Have you been Injured?
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Leading Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina

Auto accidents in South Carolina have many causes. Let’s break down the common causes of car accidents that South Carolina personal injury lawyers regularly see.

  • Mistakes due to inexperience: When an inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel and fails to act in a safe manner, this can lead to numerous consequences, including accidents.
  • Drunk driving: Any time a person gets behind the wheel impaired, which means the brain is unable to focus on the task of driving well enough to operate a vehicle safely, they put others at risk.
  • Distracted driving: This occurs when the person operating the vehicle pays attention to something other than the act of driving.
  • Reckless driving: Engaging in reckless behavior like speeding, following too closely, or merging without warning while driving puts people at risk.
  • Poor road conditions: In some situations, driving in poor road conditions can lead to spin-outs and collisions.
  • Equipment failures: Some car accidents can occur as a result of equipment failures, such as tire blowouts.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Woman exiting her car holding her neck after a rear end car accident

While cars have many safety features that may minimize the damage you suffer in an accident, injuries still happen. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents and the accompanying symptoms.

Mild Concussions

Mild concussions are those that will heal with proper medical care, but they can still be debilitating for quite some time and carry serious symptoms. These include:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Amnesia
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Loss of balance
  • Loss of coordination
  • Loss of consciousness

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can cause people to lose the ability to control their limbs, suffer paralysis, and even experience cardiovascular issues. Some common symptoms of spinal injuries include

  • Breathing problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of voluntary muscle movement in the chest, arms, or legs
  • Loss of bowel and bladder function
  • Numbness in the chest, arms, or legs

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is invisible, insidious, and often life-threatening. Some symptoms of internal bleeding include:

  • Dizziness
  • Severe weakness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Acute visual problems
  • Numbness
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Severe headache

Whiplash

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when your head “whips” forward and then suddenly stops. Some symptoms of whiplash include the following:

  • Neck pain
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Difficulty with neck movement
  • Headaches
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder
  • Upper back or arm tightness

Car Accident Injuries By The Numbers from the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book

Car accidents resulting in injuries happen often, frequently leaving families struggling and individual victims fighting for their life. Consider some of these statistics about South Carolina car accident injuries.

According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book 2021 Edition, there is:

  • One injury accident every 14.1 minutes
  • One fatal accident every 7.9 hours
  • One property damage accident every 4.8 minutes
  • One motorcyclist death every 2.3 days
  • One bicyclist death every 15.9 days
  • One pedestrian death every 1.9 days
  • One teen driver involved in an accident every 1.4 hours
  • One child younger than eight who dies or suffers from serious injuries every 4.9 days

If you have been injured or lost a loved one to a car accident like this, it is critical to take action now. Whether it was a distracted driver, or a truck accident brought on by a tired operator, you may have rights to compensation. From broken bones to brain injuries or even death, a simple mistake made by careless drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, or reckless driving can create long-term outcomes. A South Carolina car accident lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for your losses.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in South Carolina

Drunk driving is more common than many people believe. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that:

  • Nearly half of all deadly car wrecks in the state involve impaired motorists.
  • South Carolina law enforcement officials make nearly 22,000 DUI arrests in one year.
  • One person dies from a drunk driver-involved accident every 30.8 hours.

How To Know if Drunk Driving Caused Your Accident

Imagine you are driving down Highway 126 one night and another driver comes out of nowhere and hits you. They had plenty of space to get around you, but they hit you anyway. Once the chaos of the accident calms, you may wonder if the driver was drinking. Here is how you can find out:

  • Ask the police
  • Indicate suspect behaviors like swerving, lack of control, etc.
  • Get a copy of the police report

HawkLaw has extensive experience working with victims of drunk driving accidents. We understand just how much these drivers can take from you with the decision to get behind the wheel intoxicated. We are here to help you.

HawkLaw is committed to working closely with you to gather evidence and support your case, helping you secure the fair compensation owed to you. As a results-focused personal injury legal team, you can depend on our proven record of delivering settlements* resulting from drunk driving.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting and driving is illegal in South Carolina, regardless of whether it is urgent. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, on average, two auto accidents every hour involve a distracted motorist. There are many types of distracted driving causes, such as the following:

  • Texting: Sending or reading a text message on a cell phone while operating a vehicle is highly dangerous.
  • Eating: Those who drive and eat at the same time are unable to focus fully on the road in front of them.
  • Using a phone: Even though a person may think they can talk on the phone while operating the vehicle, doing so can be distracting if they pay attention to dialing a number, answering a call, or getting too involved in the conversation.
  • Grooming: Applying makeup, fixing hair, or other grooming activities are common causes of distracted driving.
  • Navigation systems: While navigation systems are designed today to minimize the amount of distraction a driver has, using this technology during the act of driving can be dangerous.
  • Passengers: Talking to passengers, especially in heated conversations, may cause the driver to make mistakes behind the wheel.

If you have been the victim of a distracted driver, try to gather any evidence about the incident to report to the police during the initial accident report. Be sure to let your attorney know what has occurred as well. Did you see the driver engaging in an activity that caused them to be distracted? That is valuable information in your case. Let your car accident lawyer know what occurred.

What Damages Can You Recover In A Car Accident Claim?

couple exiting their vehicle after a bad car accident

There are two main types of damages available in car accident cases: monetary and non-monetary.

Monetary damages include:

  • Emergency medical expenses: This may include all medical care you received at the time of the accident, including in the emergency room.
  • Cost of future medical treatment: This may include hospital stays to recover, medications you need to heal, complication-related costs such as from infection or repeat procedures, as well as long-term rehabilitation care.
  • Loss of income: The time you are out of work due to the medical condition and any time necessary for appearing in court can be included.
  • Household expenses: If you have to make changes to your home due to the incident, such as adding medical equipment to accommodate a wheelchair, you can claim compensation.
  • Canceled trips: Being unable to embark on a planned trip could be eligible for compensation.

Non-monetary damages include:

  • Mental anguish: You may suffer emotional distress at the time of the accident that can impact your health and your quality of life.
  • Pain and suffering: In some situations, the pain resulting directly from the accident may not improve in the long term.
  • Loss of companionship: If your loved one died as a result of an accident, you may have lost years with them due to someone else’s mistake.

If the at-fault driver has a liability insurance policy, the driver’s insurance company is likely to pay these damages in an award or settlement.

HawkLaw will work closely with you to document any losses you have shared. Our goal is to help you receive the compensation owed to you no matter what your losses are.

When Is There “Shared Fault” In a Car Accident Case?

South Carolina’s car accident laws allow for “comparative negligence” in personal injury claims. This means that if you file a claim against someone, he or she may argue that you are partially to blame for the accident or that you share fault. In those cases, your damages will be reduced by your share of the fault.

  • Insurance adjusters often try to raise the possibility of comparative negligence.
  • If you are deemed 30% responsible for an accident, for example, your damages will be reduced to 70%.
    • Example: You suffered $100,000 worth of damages in an accident for which you were deemed 30% responsible. You would only be able to recover $70,000 at most.
  • Never apologize for an accident or accept any kind of blame.

It is our job at HawkLaw to work to preserve your right to fair compensation. To do that, we will collaborate with you to gather evidence for your case. We also will work closely with the insurance company on your behalf so there is less risk that you will say something that endangers your case. Insurance adjusters are known for using social media posts and statements you make against you, even if you are a victim.

Be Wary of Insurance Adjusters After a South Carolina Car Accident

Auto insurance adjusters are not your friends. They look out for their best interests, not yours. They are for-profit companies that do not make money by paying the total and fair compensation you deserve. Their profits depend on denying you as much compensation as they feel they can get away with.

At HawkLaw, we value the attorney-client relationships we build with everyone we represent and have earned hundreds of positive client testimonials.

Best of all, we work on a contingency fee, which means we may offer free consultations*, and if we do not win your case, you may not owe us a dime in attorney’s fees.* Check out our disclaimer below, then call our law office at 1-888-HAWKLAW or use our online contact form to ask about a free case evaluation today.*

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I Was Involved in a Car Accident?

Yes, you can, but your eligibility for workers’ compensation after a car accident depends on whether the car accident happened while performing the duties of your employment.

  • You waive the right to sue your employer if you accept workers’ comp in most cases.
  • Workers’ comp only covers medical expenses and lost wages.
  • You can simultaneously pursue workers’ comp and a personal injury claim.

If you think you may have both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury case, the South Carolina injury attorneys at HawkLaw are here to help. Get in touch with us at 1-888-HAWKLAW or use our online contact form for a free case review.*

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents in South Carolina?

South Carolina personal injury laws place a three-year time limit on personal injury claims in most circumstances. The three-year clock starts running on the date the accident occurs or the date of death in the instance of a wrongful death claim.

It is ideal to seek immediate help with your case as soon as the accident occurs (after you receive medical care). Allow our attorneys to handle the process every step of the way after that. Even if you think the statute of limitations has lapsed, reach out to us to learn what options we may be able to offer.

Recent Client Testemonials

“I was in a fender bender at around 15 weeks pregnant in April. Attorney Anthony Stadler and his paralegal Cynthia assisted me with reaching a settlement that best fit my needs. I am very happy with the professionalism and the consideration I received.” –Ann C.

“Casey, Sarah, and Brandon did a great job with my case. It took 15 months and I won a substantial settlement that I was pleased with, without having to go to court. Thanks!” – Katie.

“I have worked with Sarah and the Hawk Law Firm since my car accident on 7/17/22. Sarah has always been kind and very responsive through out the process. I debated on involving a lawyer, but after speaking to Sarah for the first time she made me feel comfortable about the process and I knew I had made the right decision. There were a lot of things I wouldn’t have known to do or consider If I had not reached out. I hope to never go through anything like this again but if I do they will definitely be my first call. Thank you Sarah for making the process easy and helping me get things settled.” – Promise R.

Have You Been Involved In a Serious Accident?

Talk to an experienced car accident attorney in South Carolina as soon as possible to see how we might be able to help with your case. We serve all of South Carolina, including Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, and Spartanburg. You deserve a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to guide you through this legal process. Contact HawkLaw’s auto accident lawyers for a free case evaluation.*

Frequently Asked Questions

Who’s at fault for a car accident?
Even though serious injuries can result from car accidents, South Carolina is a “fault” state for auto insurance. This means that clear proof of who is at fault for the accident must be presented to earn fair and just compensation from the auto accident. HawkLaw’s car accident legal process uncovers the vital evidence to support your claim as we fight hard for your rightful compensation.
How do insurance companies determine who’s at fault?
In South Carolina, insurance companies use the state’s 51% rule, as dictated by the precedent of the case Ross v. Paddy, to determine fault for a car accident. Under the 51% rule, you will receive payment from the insurance company if it can be proven that you bear 50% or less fault for the accident. You can speak to a personal injury attorney for more details about how the 51% rule works.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault in a car accident?
It’s not legally mandated, but it’s in your best interest to contact your insurer if you’re at fault for an accident. While there’s high potential that your insurance premiums will go up, your insurer will be more open to discussing options with you if you contact them immediately after the accident. The other driver’s insurance company may also discuss the incident with your insurer so it’s best to contact them yourself ahead of time. You can also retain your HawkLaw car accident attorney to discuss matters with the other driver’s insurer.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents in South Carolina?
South Carolina personal injury laws place a three-year time limit on personal injury claims in most circumstances. Whether you are seeking compensation for vehicle damage, personal injury, or the wrongful death of a loved one, the law provides you with a timeframe of three years to ask the state court for a civil case.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I Was Involved in a Car Accident?
Eligibility for workers’ compensation following a car accident hinges on whether the accident occurred during the performance of your job duties or outside of them. These circumstances can be intricate. If the accident took place while you were engaged in your regular work activities, yet another party was at fault, you might qualify for workers’ compensation and also have the option to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

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John D. Hawkins
Founder and CEO

John Hawkins is the Founder and CEO of HawkLaw He has been licensed to practice law in South Carolina since his graduation with honors in 1994 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was on the Law Review and Order of Wig and Robe.